OIL PRICES SOAR TO NEW HIGHS

Trump vows no more attacks by Israel on Iran gas field after 'fiery response'

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

US ​President Donald Trump said Israel had 'violently lashed out' by striking Iran’s South Pars gas field, in an escalation of the conflict, prompting a retaliatory attack by Tehran on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City. He ruled out further such ‌attacks by Israel unless Iran retaliated.

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MONEY MATTERS

Dollar index at pivotal point amid Fed tightening, geopolitical risks

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

The US Dollar Index (DXY) is moving at a pivotal moment, reflecting the interplay of three key factors: the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening, rising US Treasury yields, and escalating geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, said an industry expert.

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OIL PRICES JUMP 5%

Iran warns it will hit Gulf energy facilities after US attacks huge Pars gas field

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

In a major escalation in the Middle East conflict, Iran's huge Pars gas field was hit on Wednesday in the first ​reported strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure in the Gulf during the US-Israeli war, prompting Tehran to warn its neighbours that their energy installations would be targeted "in the coming hours".

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EID-AL-FITR GIFT

Abu Dhabi, Dubai approve $2.59bn housing benefits to citizens

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have approved major housing benefits totalling AED9.52 billion ($2.59 billion) for their citizens ahead of Eid-Al-Fitr, reflecting the leadership’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Emirati families’ wellbeing.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Gulf's retail sector rises to the challenge amid war: Choithrams CEO

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Diversified sourcing strategies, alternative shipping routes and stronger coordination between logistics providers and government authorities have helped maintain continuity in the movement of essential goods, says Mark Mortimer-Davies, CEO of Choithrams, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia's Sree Bhat.

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Top This Week

Air travel costs increase as jet fuel prices double

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Global airlines are raising ticket prices, cutting some services and reviewing schedules as soaring jet fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict squeeze margins, while widespread flight disruptions continue to hit passenger traffic and tourism demand worldwide.

Oil prices edge lower, but stay above $100 a barrel

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Oil prices edged lower on Wednesday after surging in the previous session, as traders weighed fresh US inventory data and signs of possible export relief from northern Iraq against continuing concerns over Middle East supply disruptions.

Air travel demand will more than double by 2050: IATA

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects global air passenger demand will more than double by 2050, reaching about 20.8 trillion RPKs under a mid-range 3.1% CAGR, with scenarios ranging from 19.5 to 21.9 trillion RPKs depending on growth rates.

Diriyah sets new concrete pouring record at Gyratory Tunnel Extension project

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Diriyah Company, the developer of Saudi Arabia's premier historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination, has achieved a major construction milestone with the completion of 7,193 cu m of concrete pouring within a record 15.5 hours for the Gyratory Tunnel Extension in Phase II of the giga Diriyah project.

Global losses from financial frauds top $422bn in 2025

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Global losses related to financial fraud in 2025 alone have been estimated at $442 billion, according to an INTERPOL report, which highlighted that since 2024 such activities have increased 54%.

Israel says Iran's top security official killed; Tehran rejects ceasefire moves

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Israel said on Tuesday it had killed Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani in an air strike, while Tehran signalled it was rejecting ceasefire overtures conveyed through intermediaries.

50+ nature-positive investible opportunities 'can deliver $10trn a year'

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

More than 50 investible opportunities could turn capital flows into lucrative nature-positive business practices and contribute up to $10.1 trillion in annual business revenues and cost savings by 2030, according to a new World Economic Forum report launched today.

Oil recovers losses, up 2.7% at $102.95

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Oil prices rebounded on Tuesday, recovering part of the previous session’s losses as renewed supply concerns around the Strait of Hormuz lifted sentiment in global energy markets.

Air traffic operations return to 'normal' across UAE airspace: GCAA

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced that air navigation has returned to normal across the UAE’s airspace, following the stabilisation of the situation and the lifting of the temporary precautionary measures that had been implemented.

Dubai Investments' RAK mixed use project set for 2027 completion

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

Dubai Investments has announced that work is moving at a steady pace on one of its premium mixed-use developments on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah with its residential tower on track for Q1 2027 completion and its hotel unit by Q3 next year.

Oil soars to $119 as several key Mideast energy facilities hit

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

Benchmark Brent oil prices jumped above $119 a barrel on Thursday after ‌Iran attacked energy facilities across the Middle East following Israel's strike on its South Pars gas field, a major escalation in the war. Meanwhile, Middle East benchmark ​Dubai and Oman premiums hit all-time highs at about $65 per barrel, according to trade sources and Reuters data.

Jazeera Airways welcomes new VP– Strategy & Airports

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, announced the appointment of Nigel Fanning as Vice President – Strategy & Airports, in the Commercial team.

Arab maritime transport sector draws $4bn in FDI over 23 years

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

Arab countries secured 146 foreign maritime transport projects worth nearly $4 billion over the past 23 years, with five countries - Egypt, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Mauritania - accounting for 114 projects, according to a report by Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corp (Dhaman).

Dollar index at pivotal point amid Fed tightening, geopolitical risks

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

The US Dollar Index (DXY) is moving at a pivotal moment, reflecting the interplay of three key factors: the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening, rising US Treasury yields, and escalating geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, said an industry expert.

Arabian Construction Company wins Jubail Island villa project contract

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Jubail Island Investment Company has awarded a contract to Arabian Construction Company (ACC) to deliver Packages 1 to 5 within its mega development in Abu Dhabi. The scope of work includes construction of premium three- to six-bedroom villas along with other key amenities.

Emirates Drug Establishment sets up task force to support pharma supply chains

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has set up a task force comprising 16 strategic partners involved in pharmaceutical and logistics supply chains across the UAE, including drug manufacturers, medical warehouses, storage facilities and logistics providers.

CBSE cancels all Class 12 board exams in the Gulf countries

Sun, 15 Mar 2026

India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Sunday cancelled remaining Class 12 board examinations (scheduled between March 16 and April 10), including papers earlier postponed in several West Asian countries including Bahrain and other GCC countries and Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Copper futures plunge on macro-economic pressure, demand concern

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

Copper futures fell to their lowest level in multiple months, reflecting a combination of macro-economic pressure and demand concerns. Escalating tensions in the Middle East have driven energy prices higher, raising concerns about inflation and a potential drag on global growth, said an expert.

Bahrain approves package for businesses, citizens amid Mideast tensions

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Bahrain’s Parliament has unanimously approved a package of fast-track measures aimed at shielding businesses and citizens from the fallout of regional tensions and recent attacks, before referring them to the Cabinet for review, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

WIPO launches new AI Infrastructure Interchange to discuss IP issues

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has announced the launch of a new initiative - AI Infrastructure Interchange - for expert dialogue on IP and AI issues that will focus on technical and operational issues and complement ongoing discussions at its other forums.

Makkah taxi fleet to be doubled this year

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites plans to nearly double Makkah Taxi fleet capacity this year to around 1,600 vehicles, supported by the issuance of three new operating licences to taxi companies under its General Transport Center.

Saudi, GCC announce Friday as first day of Eid

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Saudi religious leaders have announced that the Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Friday in the kingdom and across the Gulf region after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday (March 18) evening. Muslims in the region will therefore fast for 30 days this year.

Bahrain destroys 129 missiles, 233 drones since start of Iranian attacks

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

The Bahrain Defence Force has announced that its air defence systems have successfully intercepted and destroyed 129 missiles and 233 unmanned aerial vehicles launched as part of an ongoing Iranian terrorist aggression against the kingdom, which commenced on Saturday (February 28).

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